Avalanche player grades from win over Wild

That was a fun game to watch, I don’t think anyone is going to deny that. The Avalanche not only claimed a comfortable 5-1 victory off the hands of great offense and stalwart defense, it all came against their division rival. So that makes the performance that much sweeter. Unfortunately, it appears as though the Avalanche may have lost Erik Johnson for at least a few games after falling hard on his face. I know it’s cliched, but Colorado will need to continue to embrace that “next man up mentality” so early in this season.

FORWARDS:

Andre Burakovsky – (B+)

It was good to see Burakovsky doing the things that he was doing tonight. Burky set up J.T. Compher perfectly for that fifth goal on the power play, and boy was it a beauty of a pass. Two points for what was a fun performance from him.

J.T. Compher – (B)

Call J.T. Compher: 877-GOALS-NOW. CALL NOW!

It felt refreshing to have more of the third line getting in on the goal-scoring action. Compher’s goal was the fifth and final of the night for the Avalanche, and hopefully that perfect setup from Burky is enough to help get the monkey off his back for the center.